Chris Bennett: NHS needs to deliver on optics approach

Reconciling the dichotomy within retail optics between clinical aspiration and financial necessity has always been a tough one.

Clinical excellence has been seen as the route forward, much has been done to move on both fronts but are these efforts diverging?

Nation Eye Health Week has thrown clinical topics into the spotlight amply supported by the College’s Optometry Tomorrow, CooperVision’s Student Summit and Specsavers’ success is signing up pre-regs.

Conversely the Capita debacle has highlighted the fragility of the business machine driving many individual practices. The cashflow fuel has dried up but the service continues to be delivered. How many practitioners are now effectively personally funding NHS sight testing in their area? Would this happen in any other profession?